The other half of the game

As writers, we are often told that promotion – publicity and marketing – is half the game. Are you aware of other writers' promo influencing you?

by Dietrich

Writing fiction requires a creative spark, a curious and vivid imagination, a badger-like dedication for the countless hours of research, plotting, writing and rewriting that goes into shaping a novel. How many of us really put the same oompf into the marketing and promotion side? It’s a head-scratching thing, and I admit I’m often perplexed by it. I could say I’m saved by my publisher’s capable publicists and marketing team, but to rely on that alone would be a cop-out.

I’m inspired by writers whose determination and efforts to promote themselves and their own work are unstoppable. Margaret Atwood, for instance, started out by self-publishing a series of poems entitled Double Persephone and even designed the cover and pressed the book herself. She got it out there and the collection received recognition and went on to win the E.J.Pratt medal. After which Atwood’s talent was recognized and she easily found a publisher. Needless to say, her career took off and the rest is history. That kind of effort is important in traditional publishing, and it’s absolutely crucial in self-publishing.

And say what you will about EL James’ skills as a writer, but her self-driven efforts took Fifty Shades of Gray from self-published posts to fan-fiction sites to become a runaway success, eventually selling over 150 million copies worldwide.

When Beatrix Potter got fed up with the sea of rejection letters filling her mailbox, she self-published Peter Rabbit, did a print-run of 250 and sent copies to every influential person she knew, taking control of her own future.

I’m inspired when any writer does something more than just print up the usual batch of bookmarks or the same old swag to promote a book. Way back in 1887, author Guy de Maupassant paid for a hot-air balloon to be sent up over Paris, emblazoned with the name of his new short story, “Le Horla.” Now that’s promotion!

With upwards of a million books being published every year, what author doesn’t want to get their books to stand out in the crowd? A great story followed by an eye-catching cover is a good start. I’m impressed by any author who takes every opportunity to connect with an audience and focus on building a following. They plan their book launch or tour, tirelessly give readings at book stores, libraries, and just about anyplace with a microphone. They sign up for conferences and festivals and get on as many panels as they can, and they take advantage of the growing number of online opportunities that keep popping up. 

And I’m impressed by authors with eye-catching websites, with links to the books, with constant updates about new releases, reviews, events and exclusive content. And I’m drawn to terrific book trailers that make me want to check out the book.

One thing that I’ve learned about promoting my own novels is to have a strong elevator pitch ready for when someone asks what the new one’s about. It doesn’t help to fumble and start with “Uh uhm, well uh …” So, I have a pitch ready that doesn’t sound like I’m just reciting the synopsis. Catriona had some good advice about this on her post last week.

dietrichkalteis.com